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HORIZONS
May 2023
Monthly Newsletter
Hingham Congregational Church
United Church of Christ
366 Main St,
Hingham MA 02043
hccucc.com
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A Message from Pastor Jack
Jesus told a provocative story about a shepherd who leaves all the other sheep to face the hazards of thieves and predators to go after the one lost sheep. His agrarian audience must have just shaken their heads in disbelief. Who would do that? Nowadays we recognize the hazards of celebrating a day that might be painful for some folks. We have "Blue Christmas" to try to honor the feelings and emotions of people for whom Christmas, as the culture and sometimes the church too, presents it can be very painful. Mothers Day can certainly fall into that category. It is in Christ's Spirit to be attentive to people whose emotions don't conform to societies expectations of a day or event somehow. We want to remember and honor those who willingly give of themselves to nurture their children and community. This can involve sacrifice which requires a certain amount of courage, faith and hope. Yet also we are aware of how preaching about motherly sacrifice has been used as a form of oppression in which burdens were unfairly placed on Women that they did not ask for and that were not offered freely but rather coerced by culture, and convention . A coerced sacrifice is simply abuse and it is still a convention within our culture to coerce sacrifice. Some of us dream of a day when childrearing can be entered into as a joyful choice and women can also experience fulfillment in their callings while fully nurturing their offspring, and adopting too! When we celebrate Mother's Day we are really celebrating Love. So we grieve when love was not part of a person's experience with their Mother...or , as is often the case, love and painful experiences were all mixed up.
If you have a hard time with Mothers Day for whatever reason, let's talk. If you are alone on Mothers Day, let's consider sharing a meal after church at some modestly priced place... Introduce me to Hingham.
One of my favorite characterizations of "church" is "the family we choose." We are blessed to have the opportunity to re-invent our family life by choosing compatible, friendly family members.
(Email jackfitzellejones@gmail.com 401-632-8318 phone or text. Generally, I am early to bed early to rise. So phone calls before 10 are best and early in the morning, 6:00 is fine. If there is an emergency and you have some doubt about calling, CALL ME ANYTIME..)
What a blessing to begin my time among you on a day that so many people cherish because of the love and joy of reunion, and what a joy to entertain the possibility of meeting and feasting with some "new favorite" "Church Mothers."
With Christ's Love,
Pastor Jack
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Note from our Moderator
What a busy time of year May is turning out to be! Perhaps that is always true, but this year seems exceptionally full to me for some reason. In just the next few weeks we will be welcoming our new confirmands as members, celebrating Mother’s Day, connecting with the wider community via Mission Sunday (which will be followed immediately by our church’s annual meeting), and then we commemorate those who have fallen in service to our country on Memorial Day. That’s a full dance card! I am looking forward to seeing many of you over the coming weeks.
As if all that were not enough, we will also be welcoming Jack Jones as temporary pastor during Reverend Pete’s sabbatical. I am excited to get to know Jack better and to hear him preach. His background includes a wealth of unique experiences that I think our community will appreciate and enjoy.
Barring anything unforeseen, this will be my last Horizons note in my current term as Moderator. Believe it or not, I often found writing these to be one of the most difficult aspects of the Moderator role. I frequently found myself with writer’s block or at a loss for words (or just a lack of confidence that anyone would be interested in my musings). On the other hand, leading the Executive Council, listening to and working with members of our congregation, and addressing the church’s needs were comparatively easy, not to mention inspiring and uplifting.
It has been my deep honor to serve the congregation that has given so much back to me and my family in terms of fellowship, friendship, and lifelong community. I am confident in our church and its direction under the leadership and stewardship of incoming Moderator, Kathi Blair, and I hope you will join me in supporting her over the coming year and beyond.
Humbly yours,
-John Wayne Pint
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CALL TO ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
To the Members of the Hingham Congregational Church:
In accordance with Article VI, section 1 of the Bylaws, the members of the Hingham Congregational Church are hereby notified that the
Annual Congregational Meeting of the Church will take place on
Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 11:45 am – in Hale Hall and on Zoom
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83071262377
Meeting ID 830 7126 2377
for the following purposes:
1. To hear and vote on the annual reports of the Boards and Committees;
2. To receive a report from the Moderator regarding the status of the church;
3. To hear and vote on the slate of officers, Boards and Committees presented by the Nominating Committee and endorsed by the Executive Council, these to take effect at the conclusion of the Meeting;
4. To hear and vote on changes to the by-laws; and
5. To transact any other business that may properly come before the Meeting.
This is an important meeting and participation by all members of the Congregation is requested.
Kris Shorey, Clerk
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JUBILEE NEWS
HCC 175TH JUBILEE
May, 2023
Can it be May already?
It has been wonderfully busy with activities around the 175th Jubilee, and there’s more to come.
The Guild Consignment Center hosted a delicious brunch and told us about the huge extent of their work. Were you as surprised as I was, not just by the numbers, but by the reach? What a terrific outreach component of our church, to say nothing of the environmental impact of reusing and recycling so many household items.
Next up are the Bake Sale and the Can Drive. The Bake Sale will be on May 7, and there are lots of ways to participate. We can all BUY, and bring home a sweet treat or two. Bakers welcome! Bring a plate of cookies, or a cake, pie or bread to church for sale on Sunday. But you can also donate a new or gently used cookbook, donate a “future baking” item for the silent auction, or submit a favorite recipe that will be posted (and sold for $1) on the church website. So many yummy ways to contribute! Contact Kathy Beitler at kathybeitler@gmail.com if you have any questions. The Can Drive is being organized by Mary Jenkins. On Saturday, May 13, bring your returnable cans to the church parking lot between 10 am and 1 pm. Mary will redeem the cans and the collected funds will go toward our donation to the Hingham Public Library. Encourage your friends and neighbors to participate - clear out those cans!
On May 7 the 175th Jubilee committee will meet after church. We have several exciting events coming up, and we need to get planning. We will enter a float in the 4th of July parade, and will need workers to get it ready and others (or maybe the same folks) to ride and wave. Does that sound like fun for you or your family? Come learn more about it. On September 17, we'll host a community event to celebrate, including town and state dignitaries. Barbara Wollan has been working on that, and we'll get an update from her. Our final event will be a church-wide Gala on November 4. We'll need lots of workers to make that a beautiful event. We're collecting ideas! Please join us on May 7 after church.
Have you submitted a memory or dream for our church? Don't delay! One of my memories is of my daughter Lauren and Junior Choir. One day after choir rehearsal, Mr. B told me Lauren had some theological questions, based on the lyrics of one of the pieces they were singing. He answered her, more thoroughly than I could have, but wanted me to know. I am so thankful for Mr. B, for the care he gives to the children and music of our church. You can submit a memory or dream at coffee hour on Sundays, or email Karen vonLoesecke at kjvonloesecke@gmail.com. We'd love to have a little something from everyone!
We're continuing to collect funds for our donation to the library. If you'd like to contribute, go to the church website, hccucc.com, giving, pledge and special giving, and you can specify the 175th Jubilee. Thanks for helping us reach our goal of donating 175 books to the Hingham Public Library!
The celebration continues!
Kathi and Debbie
Did you have the opportunity to attend the HCC Story Slams led by Terri Fortin and featuring stories from Carolyn Antoine, Roger Hoit, Rosemary Arthur, and Paul Jeffrey? If not, please click HERE and HERE to hear their poignant reflections of our church and how it has impacted their faith and their passion for our church community.
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JUBILEE 175 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Please save the dates!
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| Sunday, May 7 | Baking for Books, AKA "Spring Baking" Fundraiser | Kathy Beitler and Barbara McGovern | | Saturday, May 13 | Bottles for Books (Bottle and Can Drive) 10-1pm, HCC parking lot | Mary Jenkins | | July 4th | HCC Jubilee 4th of July Parade float | Kathi Blair | | Sunday, September 17 | Community Event on HCC front lawn | Barbara Wollen and Kathi Blair | | Fall, 2023 | Benefit Concert, details TBA | Steve Waynen | | Saturday, November 4 | Fall Gala Event | Kathi Blair and Debbie Edmundson | | |
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Don't forget to check out the history corner in Hale Hall!
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2023 Faith Formation Update | |
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Faith Formation Summer Planning!
This program year is quickly coming to a close. We had a lot of fun with our first year of rotation model church school. As we look ahead, we have been busy planning our summer programming. This summer our church school students will be going on a “Scavenger Hunt Through the Psalms”. This curriculum will encourage our HCC kiddos to explore a part of the Bible that isn’t always the focus of the program year.
In addition to summer Church School, Faith Formation will be hosting Vacation Bible School August 7 through 11th. This is a community wide event for the week. Please extend an invite to your friends and family. We will spend the week exploring what it takes to be a superhero for our faith. You can sign your child up at www.hccucc.com. If you are interested in volunteering for that week, please email me at lisabundy106@gmail.com
Our Senior High Youth Group will also be busy this summer. Please keep this group in your prayers as they spend the end of June traveling to Pipestem, West Virginia. While there, they will be putting their faith into action by helping to serve in an underprivileged community.
Faith Formation is always looking ahead to provide the best programs to meet all ages! If you have any questions or ideas, please reach out to me!
Lisa Bundy
Director of Faith Formation, HCC
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Sign up HERE for our Superhero Vacation Bible School! | |
ROOF CARRIER NEEDED for the upcoming High School Service Trip to Pipestem, West Virginia. Do you own a roof carrier for luggage and want to lend it to us for a week? Email Jen in the office: churchoffice@hccucc.com | |
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STEWARDSHIP NEWS
PLEASE MAKE YOUR FAITH PLEDGE TODAY!
We are respectfully asking that all faith pledges be made as soon as possible so the finance team can balance our budget and prepare our financial outlays for the following year. DON’T WAIT! Go to www.hccucc.com or click on this QR code to make your faith pledge today.
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A big plea to all from your Welcoming Team to please wear your name tags. If you lost yours, please sign up in the narthex for a new one or send me an email and I’ll sign up for you! If you find it a bother to look for it on the stand every Sunday, take it home with you and hang it by the door or leave it in your car. Please keep it on for coffee hour. You can leave it in the basket labeled name tags in Hale Hall and we’ll return it to the stand upstairs. Name tags are very important to newcomers as well as to long-time members, like us. They help us to get to know one another, and they make HCC a friendlier church home.
Anne Fanton, abfanton@comcast.net
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Consignment Center Springs Toward Summer | |
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Our 65th Anniversary Celebration continues through this week, with extra touches added to each business day. Stop in on Tuesday, May 2, for a cookie sample, claim your choice of a discounted item on Wacky Wednesday, May 3, use your purchases to credit Bargains for Books and the Hingham Public Library on Thursday, May 4, and receive a free Refillable Tote Bag with a $25, purchase on Saturday, May 6.
May is traditionally a month for Mothers, Grads, and New England cottages. The lush, comfortable days of late spring lead us to think about summer’s approach, and the Consignment Center is ready for this transition.
A large selection of special occasion dresses waits for family celebrations, school events, or local parties. Prepare for warmer days with sundresses, beach cover-ups, and airy blouses. Sneakers, sandals, crocs and flipflops wait to carry you through the garden, sidewalk, sports field, or dance floor. Workout wear is plentiful, and shorts abound for everyone in the family.
When the outdoors calls, be ready with picnic baskets, blankets, or beverage coolers. An assortment of toys for the back yard or playground will get the little ones back outside, while fishing poles and plant pots are ready for sunny weekends. You might be able to find a throw for the summer porch, mugs for cottage guests, grill utensils for backyard barbecues, or extra beach towels for the lake house.
We recently received a donation of table linens, suitable for celebratory tables, patio picnics, or everyday use; peruse our collection of vintage table and bath linens for handmade edging and careful embroidery. Repurpose a runner or single panel into a valance, or edge a graceful hem!
This year’s grads can plan ahead for dorm living, and secure sheet sets, towels, shower curtains, privacy sheers, and storage baskets along with microwavable cookware and household accessories. Totes and small luggage pieces are handy for weekends—and coming home for the holidays!
The Consignment Center will be closed on Saturday, May 27 for Memorial Day Weekend, so come in soon for seasonal supplies and other delights.
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Haiti: HCC is sponsoring two children in Haiti, Stalande and Kenson, for school supplies and other expenses during these turbulent times. Please reach out to Terri Fortin for additional information on how to help.
Afghan refugees: We sponsored a family of six from Afghanistan, providing basic monthly assistance from January to March. To continue to help support the Afghan refugee effort, checks can be earmarked Outreach, Afghan Refugees.
Thank you for UCC One Great Hour of Sharing. HCC raised over $976 to help the United Church of Christ within the Wider Church Ministries in the Lenten season to support disaster relief, refugees, and development.
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Our Impact Closer to Home | |
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The Children’s Book Drive sponsored by the Outreach Board in conjunction with the 175th Jubilee donated over 200 books to the Interfaith Social Services Food Pantry, for families to choose as they pick up food at the pantry.
Thank you for all your help with the Easter Gift Cards for Wellspring. Over 35 gift cards with Easter goodies in bunny gift bags were donated to help local families with food security.
Anderson House Lunch Ministry – HCC and the Board of Outreach are participating in providing brown bag lunches for the six residents of Anderson House in April and May. Please contact Terri Fortin at terrifortin@comcast.net .
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The Pine Street With precautions in place, the Pine Street Inn in Boston is looking for volunteers once a month (every third Monday) to serve the guests on the women’s side along with dessert donations. Please contact Ruth Whitner for details (phone/text: 339-613-7247 or email rgilbertwhitner@verizon.net.) | |
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7 (NKJV) | |
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Around the corner
Around the corner – Blanket the world with love! The Church World Services Blanket Sunday will be held on May 14.
Mission Sunday will be held on May 21 with a guest speaker Vinny Harte, CEO of Wellspring.
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GREEN TIP FOR THE MONTH:
NEXT Saturday, May 13, HCC will be collecting deposit bottles (glass and plastic) and cans in the HCC parking lot. So save them up until then and support this event.
NOTE #1: FOLLOWING this HCC collection day, deposit cans and plastic bottles can be deposited at the town Transfer Station in special bins - at the bottom of the stairs. The deposits collected on these cans and bottles support local non-profit groups.
NOTE #2: Please use the RECYCLE bins at church for plastic, metal, paper, and cardboard items. (Mother Earth will give you a warm hug whenever you bring your own reusable drink containers whenever possible.)
“USE WISELY...” HELP US CARE FOR OUR FRAGILE ENVIRONMENT BY REDUCING WASTE.
REDUCE - REFUSE - REUSE - - REPAIR - RECYCLE
- ROT (COMPOST)
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Click HERE to sign up for the Women's Dinner! | |
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TUESDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY at 7:00 pm
in the Library and on Zoom
Terri Fortin
terrifortin@comcast.net
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WEDNESDAY EVENING PRAYER –
At 7:00pm with Rev. Dr. Peter Allen
Zoom link will be sent out Wednesdays.
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GROWING IN FAITH TOGETHER (G.I.F.T.)
Bible Study
Thursday Mornings at 9 am in the Library and on Zoom. Please contact Rev. Dr. Peter Allen to connect pastor@hccucc.com
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MEDITATION GROUP
Will be meeting every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month
at 6:00 pm on the third floor
of the church.
Christopher Larsen <surgical411@aol.com>
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CHOIR NOTES:
Senior Choir Rehearsals are
Thursdays, 7:30 – 9:15 PM.
All are welcome!
Senior Choir Sings Sundays -
9AM Rehearsal, 10AM Service.
David Geissow, Choir Director
david@figgypuddin.com
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JUNIOR CHOIR
Meets select Sundays after church on the 3rd floor
Led by Mrs. England and Mr. B
Ed B., jeeko@comcast.net
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ALTAR FLOWER SIGN UP for Sunday Services | |
Please consider choosing a Sunday to provide flowers from your garden or a florist, in celebration or in memory of a loved one at:
https://hccucc.com/altar-flower-sign-up/
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Help beautify our sanctuary!
The deacons are asking for some vase donations so that we can have flowers on the altar every Sunday. If you have a dusty vase hanging around, please bring it in for use in the sanctuary.
Know someone who could use some flowers?
Please see a deacon at the end of worship on Sunday morning if you would like to take home the floral arrangement.
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LITURGIST SIGNUP
Would you like to read scripture for your church community during Sunday morning worship from time to time? Please choose a Sunday and sign up here. https://hccucc.com/liturgist-signup/
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Please keep in
your prayers...
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- Gerald Jones
- JT Boothman, friend of Mark and Sara Beck, recently diagnosed with cancer
- Rachel Scott's friend, Molly Lehane
- Karen von Loesecke, whose mother, Marty Johnson, passed away recently
- Friends and family Mark Schlosky's mom, Janet, who passed away recently
- Friends and family of Al Carpenter, who passed away recently
- Jen DiMarzio's friend, Sarina
- Michael Sardina's mom, Thelma Sardina
- David Giessow's brother Don, in hospice
- Andy Parmelee
- The People of Ukraine
- Candy Heath
- Barbara McGovern’s nephew Brendan, and his wife, Oksana, photo journalists
living in Kyiv.
- Terri Fortin’s friend, Diane
- Nancy Hansberry's sister, Sue
- The Ahmadi family from Afghanistan, who are now in the US
- Nancie Mooney
- Ryan Lamonde, prayers for peace and courage
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Wishing a Happy May Birthday to our HCC family | |
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1 Valentina Scappini
3 Wendy Wilson, Tracey Kelley,
4 Sara Warwick
5 Nicholas Pinto, Lynn Mayo
6 Paul Rasmussen, Trevor Hale
7 Nancy Ham, Carolyn Antoine
12 Logan King
15 Steph Schlosky
17 Steve Waynen
18 Rosemary Arthur, Barbara Wollan
19 Eric Peterson
Wishing a Happy May Anniversary to:
18 - Michael & Ruth Whitner 49 years
21 - Robert & Karen Hale 29 years
25 Jeff & Susan Johnson 38 years
26 Tracy & Peter Allen,
Jason & Rachel Scott
28 Bruce & Kristina Shorey
30 Ed & Janet Bartholomew 53 years
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20 Dave Thorell
22 Reed Schilb, Jeff Swain
23 Spencer Havens
24 George MacKay, Elly Hughes,
Caroline Gillig
25 Todd Anderson
26 Sophie Nash, Giorgio Scappini,
Sydney Boer
27 Nancy Hansberry
28 Lars Rasmussen, Addy Stupin
30 Kyle McCaig
31 Nancy Vialle
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What's happening in May at HCC? | |
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| 1 | 2
7:00pm
Tuesday evening bible study | 3
7:00 pm
Wednesday evening prayer
7:30 pm
Deacons meeting
Fellowship board meeting
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9:00 am
Growing In Faith
Together
7:30 pm
Senior Choir Rehearsal | 5
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Sunday Worship -
Confirmation Sunday
11:20am
Baking for Books
Jubilee meeting
5pm Senior High youth group | 8
6:30 pm
Men's group | 9
7pm Tuesday evening bible study | 10
7:00 pm
Wednesday Evening Prayer
7:30 pm
Outreach
meeting
| 11
9:00 am
Growing In Faith Together
6:00 pm
Meditation
7:30pm Senior Choir rehearsal | 12 | 13
10-1:00 pm
Bottle and Can Drive | | 14
Sunday Worship - Blanket Sunday, green sunday
| 15
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7pm Tuesday evening bible study
7:30 pm
Faith Formation Meeting | 17
7:00 pm
Wednesday Evening prayer
7:30 pm
Executive council | 18
9am Growing in Faith Together
5:00 pm
Women's Dinner
7:30pm Choir Rehearsal | 19 | 20 | | 21
Sunday
Worship
Mission Sunday
11:45 am
Annual meeting | 22
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7pm Tuesday evening bible study | 24
7:00 pm
Wednesday Evening
Prayer
7:30pm
Trustees meeting | 25
9am Growing
in Faith Together
6:00 pm
Meditation
7:30pm Senior Choir Rehearsal | 26 | 27 | | 28
Sunday
Worship, fellowship | 29 | 30
7pm
Tuesday evening bible study | 31
7pm
Wednesday Evening Prayer
7:30 pm
Trustees Meeting |
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SAVE THE DATES:
May 7 - Baking for Books, AKA "Spring Baking" Fundraiser
May 13 - 10-1:00 pm Bottle & Can Drive @ HCC
May 18 - 5:00pm Women's Dinner, Linden Ponds
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You Don’t Have to Swing a Hammer to Build a Home
Volunteer to be a South Shore Habitat Ambassador
South Shore Habitat for Humanity needs Ambassadors as “Site Greeters” to greet the volunteers at its current build site at 302-304 Whiting Street in Hingham and its future build site at 808 Jerusalem Road in Cohasset.
Being a Site Greeter is an enriching experience that provides the opportunity to give back to the community while helping to build safe, healthy, and affordable homes for local families in need. It is truly a heartwarming act of kindness.
Each Build Day a Site Greeter welcomes the volunteers, provides a brief orientation, and then helps volunteers have a good experience. Training is provided to guide you through the Site Greeter steps.
As a Site Greeter you have the chance to help as often or as infrequently as suits your schedule.
Currently Build Days in Hingham on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Site Greeters are needed in Hingham from April to June, and then the second half of the year in Cohasset.
If you want to learn more about becoming a Site Greeter or other Habitat volunteer opportunities, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Janice Richards at 781-337-7744 x130 or jrichards@sshabitat.org.
The generous donation of your time supports Habitat in its mission to provide strength, security, and stability through shelter.
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